About The
Arkansas Gryphons
The First Team
The Arkansas Gryphons were formed in 2006 by a group of current and former rugby players who wanted to establish a rugby presence in northwest Arkansas. The goal was to grow the sport of rugby while also competing at the highest levels. Since forming, the Gryphons have advanced from division 3 to division 2 in league play, have a highly successful 7's team, and have established a high school program in the region.
2023
The Gryphons compete at the Division II level in the Mid-America Rugby Football Union. The team has been growing steadily over the years and currently has a roster of 30-40 active members. Our players range in age from 18 to over 50 and come from all walks of life. We welcome everyone to come out and try the sport of rugby. No matter your background, your body type, or your skill set, everyone can contribute and there is a place for you on the pitch.
Sevens
The Gryphons participate in 7's during the summer prior to the beginning of the fall season. Rugby 7's is a variation of rugby in which the teams are made up of seven players playing seven minute halves with a two minute half-time. Competitions are in a tournament format and typically last for one day. Under the leadership of coach Jason Pollack the Gryphons have experienced tremendous success over the last few years. In 2023 the Gryphons had two 1st place, two 2nd place, and one 3rd place finishes out of 6 tournaments.
Junior Gryphons
In 2018 Coach Jason Ayers formed the Junior Gryphons. The team is comprised of youth from multiple high schools in northwest Arkansas and competes against other teams from Arkansas and the surrounding states. Each year players take up the game with little prior knowledge of rugby and it is our goal to provide them with skills to be successful on and off the pitch. The skills include good decision making, discipline, and work rate. Our reward is seeing these young men discovering and developing a passion for rugby and seeing them continue playing on to college and making rugby a lifelong sport for them. We are looking for young men who may have been marginalized in other sports and/or spend much of their time sitting on the bench. Rugby gives them an opportunity to compete, challenge themselves, and bond with their team mates.